Real Sociedad and Athletic Club are both feeling pleased with preparations for the Basque derby on Saturday, with the two set to clash at the San Mames at 16:15 CEST on Saturday. Both have received good news on the injury front.
The generally injury-plagued Real Sociedad are almost fully fit for the clash with the long-term absence of Umar Sadiq the only predicted casualty. David Silva trained normally on Thursday ahead of the match and it looks as if he will be fit in order to face Los Leones.
It could be Asier Illarramendi’s last Basque derby, with the La Real captain revealing to MD that he does not have an offer from the club currently – his contract expires this summer.
Back on the fitness front, Unai Simon also trained normally after he recovered from a cold, he will be available. Inigo Lekue took part in some of the session, but at this point is still a doubt. That could be significant, as usual right-back and captain Oscar de Marcos will miss the game through suspension. Winger Jon Morcillo will miss the match, after he had shoulder surgery.
The Bilbao side are 11 points behind their rivals, and defeat for either one could damage their respective European hopes in a big way. Athletic are five points off Real Betis in sixth, which could mean a Europa League place if Real Madrid win the Copa del Rey, while La Real are seeking to retain their four-point advantage over Villarreal.
